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AGIA PELAGIA IN CRETE
 
The village of Agia Pelagia, once the site of an ancient Greek city, is situated in a bay 22 kilometers northwest of the capital Heraklion, and set 4 kilometers off the main road. The name Agia Pelagia derives from a monastery 1 kilometer west of the bay.
It's a haven of peace compared to some of the other beachvillages that are sometimes placed directly next to the mainroad itself.
Agia Pelagia is actually more like a cluster of small villages and beaches, the main beach being the most eastern one, decorated with a small 'boulevard' with restaurants, cocktail bars and a supermarket.
For a short movie of Agia Pelagia you can click |
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More about Agia PelagiaWhen driving in from the mainroad it's easy to lose your way in the spiderweb of small roads and the lack of signs (especially when you see a sign saying 'beach' pointing both left and right one might not understand...). The atmosphere in Agia Pelagia is cosy, and its bay looks very pretty, with kaiks in the water and greenish rocks rising out of the of the sea. It's a rather green place with palmtrees and flowers. The main beach is not very long or wide, and it gets shady very quickly at the end of the afternoon. The people in Agia Pelagia belong to the most kind Greek people I have ever met. West of Agia Pelagias' main beach you will also find three more quiet beaches with less facilities. My favourite is the middle one of the three which has only a small 'shop' that sells drinks and ice cream. I like it the best because of the beautiful rocks on the left side of it and because of its quietness. The first beach west of the main beach of Agia Pelagia is called Kladissos. The second beach that you will encounter when you walk eastwards from Agia Pelagia's main beach (the one with only the small shop with drinks). This is my favourite one. It's called Psaromoura and it has some beautiful rocks in the sea. The third beach is called Mononaftis, and has a nice green rock in the opposite. In the neighbourhood of these beaches there are a couple of big holiday resorts, amongst which the big Capsis beach hotel with a pool and lots of small houses. |
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What is Agia Pelagia like? A walk down westwards will bring you to some escavations (near the big Capsis Hotel on the rock), and a small zoo with storks, strange chickens, some baboons and other animals. It's quite a strange surprise, but a funny one. Most of the birds and some of the animals just walk around freely (update 2007: sorry people, the zoo is closed and replaced by a building). If you want to try another more quiet beach in the area you can take the turn just before Agia Pelagia, which will bring you to the sheltered and more quiet Ligaria beach. It is also possible to walk to this beach from Agia Pelagia. On this beach there are also a couple of places where you can have a drink or something to eat and there is a small supermarket. At the beach there are umbrellas and sunbeds for rent. A few years ago a large complex of holiday homes was built here on the hill overlooking the bay, so it is possible that it is a little bit more busy now. So summarized Agia Pelagia comes with all sorts of beaches for different kinds of people and there is a large choice in tavernas, small cozy bars, shops, super markets, hotels, apartments, studios and villas. Besides tourism a lot of people in Agia Pelagia still live from farming. This is why in between the houses, restaurants and hotels you will see a lot of agricultural fields in the village. There are onions, cabbages, herbs and all sorts of vegetables growing everywhere. Slowly Agia Pelagia is expanding and more new houses are being built. Because the village is built on a slightly sloping hill a lot of these new houses will get a sea view. The latest project is a cluster of holiday homes (it is called Agia Pelagia Villas) that are being built at the public parking square at the end of the small road that leads to the beach (distance 80 meters). If all goes according to plan it should be finished in 2009. In the village you will also see a couple of signs that are pointing to the Agia Pelagia Church. If you follow these signs you will end up at an old church / monastery, but of course it is closed, so you are unable to take a look inside. Another walk that you can make is all the way up the hill towards Nymphes Villas which will give you breathtaking views of the bay and the opportunity to take a look inside a small church on top of the hill. Here the roads turn into walking paths and you can make walks to the inland or along the coastline. |
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How to get to Agia Pelagia The easiest way to reach Agia Pelagia is of course with your own transportation. From the capital Heraklion it takes about a half an hour drive westwards before you are downstairs in the bay. There are several entrances to the village of Agia Pelagia from the main road. From Heraklion and from Rethimnon there are also busses that stop at Agia Pelagia, but they make you get out at the main road, which means that you still have to walk downstairs about three or four kilometers. The views over the bay that you will get are rewarding though. A better alternative for a rental car would be a taxi from for instance the bus station or the airport. The prices for the ride are fixed. Since 2008 there are two petrol stations on the way from the main road to the bay of Agia Pelagia. |
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Accommodations, hotels, apartments, studios and villa's in Agia Pelagia.
Zorbas Studios and Apartments in Agia Pelagia
Agia Pelagia is a cozy little village that has still got that feeling of authentic Greece, even though it is only 22 kilometers away from the capitol Heraklion. It's the perfect spot to have your holidays, away from all the noise and convieniently situated to make trips and excursions to the sights of Crete. Agia Pelagia has a couple of very nice beaches. A few meters from the main beach, the shops and the restaurants you can find the Zorbas Studios and Apartments. All the rooms in this complex have satelite tv, airconditioning, a kitchen, a safe box and a balcony with table and chairs. Some of the rooms have a seaview and some of them look over a quiet little street. Zorbas has also got and internet corner exclusively for its visitors. Prices in 2006 start at 28 euro for a studio and 30 euro for an apartment in low season. It's a good alternative for the Irini Apartments. I have stayed here also for a couple of times. My advice is to ask a room in the front of the building where there are the better views (the sea). In the back large parts are overgrown with a grapevine. Tel. +30 2810 811074 & +30 2810 811518 - Send an email to Zorbas Apartments READ MORE. |
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Villa Apolonia Apartments in Agia Pelagia
Another option for Irini is the Apolonia Villa. Apollonia Villa offers 8 apartments, all well design furnished with the sensitive touch of the owners. A real family place provides maximum security for your kids and your holidays. Apollonia Villa distance from the Agia Pelagia beach is so close that makes your holidays comfortable
Tel Fax ++30 2810811329 Mob.++30 6944848400 - Send an email to Apolonia Villa.
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 Villa Bellevue Apartments with swimming pool in Agia Pelagia Apartments and studios in Villa Bellevue. Villa Bellevue is is a family run beautiful 3 star Hotel Apartment and studio complex. Situated 17-18 kilometers west of Heraklion in an enviable and unique location overlooking the small picturesque bay of Ligaria and the tourist resort and fishing village of Aghia Pelagia. It is built in a quiet and hospitable environment of natural beauty, with spectacular views of the sea and the mountains, and only 1200 meters from the centre of Aghia Pelagia and 800 meters from Ligaria Beach. The hotel is built in 7000 square metres of lush greenery of palm, olive, lemon and hibiscus trees. The elevated garden area provides plenty of space for guests to move around in. On arrival in their room guests will find free of charge a bottle of home made wine, fresh seasonal fruit and a bottle of mineral water. The hotel consists of 6 separate buildings of studios and apartments, which measure between 35 to 55 square metres with balconies or terraces. They are all fitted with cable television, direct dial phones, King size beds, kitchenettes and private bathrooms with baths or showers. The Hotel also provides a safe parking area, reception with safety boxes, a friendly, informal Greek style Tavern serving breakfast, lunch or evening meal, a mini market and on the grounds a large pool with umbrellas and sun beds. The sea and beach areas of Ligaria and Aghia Pelagia are ideal for guests to enjoy scuba diving, ski, jet ski, wind surfing and parasailing. The owners of this lovely place will welcome you ,offering a friendly and family atmosphere. Villa Bellevue is in the centre of Crete and is in easy reach of many attractions and archaeological sites such as Knossos (20 km), Phaestos (60 km) and of course all the famous museums. Taxi transfers for guests from Heraklion airport to Villa Bellevue is approx. 32 -35 euro. The exit to the villa Bellevue Studios is clearly marked along the road to Agia Pelagia with a sign. * FREE transfer from Heraklion Airport to our hotel for reservations of 10 days or more. Optional (prices for 2009): Breakfast 7 per person, Dinner menu 10 , Half-board menu 15 per person (Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner), Air condition 7 per day.
Send an email to Villa Bellevue and qoute with or without breakfast/half board/airconditioning.
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Thania Studios - Cheap studios right at the beach of Agia Pelagia
For us this was the first complex that we stayed in in Agia Pelagia. It is situated in a quiet spot directly at the beach. The next year we wanted to go back to this place but it was closed at the time that we wanted to stay there. Instead we ended up in the Lygaria Beach Apartments in the next bay (see below). Thania Studios is a family hotel offering the world famous traditional Cretan Hospitality, personal contact with the owners, and several comforts for your pleasant stay. Our gentle staff and our dedication to high quality services, provide the necessary discreteness to the pleasant atmosphere of our apartments. The balconies of our apartments offer a magnificent view of the sea while they allow you to enjoy magic summer nights. On the rooftop of Thania Studios is a pergola where you can enjoy the magic atmosphere of the sunset and your sunbath during daytime. The calm and friendly environment of our studios will take a place in your heart from the first moment. Check availability and prices & book Thania Studios CLICK HERE |
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Lygaria Beach Apartments - large apartments on a quiet spot and with a wonderful view - 8 apartments near the beach in the bay next to Agia Pelagia
Situated just 100 metres from Lygaria Beach, these spacious self-catering apartments feature beautiful views of the bay, along with free wireless internet access and free private parking. Each of the apartments at Lygaria Beach is tastefully decorated, featuring a spacious living area and a fully equipped kitchen. The private balconies offer stunning views of Lygaria Beach or the surrounding countryside. Check your emails using the free wireless internet access. Enjoy a drink in the relaxing outdoor pool area. Take a leisurely stroll to the nearby beach and take a swim in the sea. Lygaria Beach offers plenty of entertainment, without being as crowded as other tourist resorts. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops surrounding Lygaria Beach Apartments. Lygaria is a charming place for taking a leisurely stroll and if you are travelling by car, Lygaria Apartments also provides free private parking. Check availability and prices & book Lygaria Beach Apartments CLICK HERE |
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Amazona Apartements- Studios and apartments in a central and quiet location
Located in a quiet neighbourhood just 180 metres from the beach, Amazona Apartments is a family-run establishment offering comfortable accommodation and Cretan hospitality in the beautiful village of Agia Pelagia. Amazona offers air-conditioned apartments and studios with en suite facilities, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. The kitchenette gives you the opportunity to prepare meals using fresh, local produce, and enjoy them on your private balcony or terrace. And if you want someone else to do it for you, the Amazona restaurant serves delicious, homemade cuisine. You can even order your breakfast or dinner in your room. You can also relax by the pool with a drink from the bar, while the children are having fun in the playground. Check availability and prices & book Amazona Apartments Studios CLICK HERE |
Creta Sun Hotel Studios with swimming pool in Agia Pelagia - inexpensive and good reviews Creta Sun Hotel Studios is located in one of the most beautiful places of Crete, Agia Pelagia. It is a small, quiet, family-run, newly built hotel with swimming pool and just 400 m from the sandy beach and the center of the village. All studios have verandas with a view combining the sea and the mountains. Check the prices and availability & book Creta Sun Hotel Studios CLICK HERE |
Litsa Mare Apartments in Agia Pelagia - in a quiet spot, 50 meters to the beach Litsa Mare is group of 8 apartments at a distance of 50 meters from the beach of Agia Pelagia.The rooms spacious and very comfortable. The calm atmosphere of our apartments, the friendly environment and the high quality of our services can promise the most unforgettable vacation of your lifetime. Our gentle staff and our dedication to high quality services, provide the necessary discreteness to the pleasant atmosphere of our apartments. Our beautiful and carefully decorated yard with the special odour and colours of our garden will steal your heart from the first moment and they will prove to be a perfect and safe place for you children's play. Check the prices and availability & book Litsa Mare Apartments CLICK HERE |
Joanna Apartments in Agia Pelagia - good reviews, the the centre of Agia Pelagia, 30 meters to the beach Joanna Apartments are situated 30 meters away from the beach, in the center of Agia Pelagia, at the most beautiful and quiet neighborhood. The apartments have a 200-mē garden with showers, in this beautiful garden you can have your breakfast ,enjoy the Cretan sun and let your children play safely. Check the prices and availability & book Joanna Apartments CLICK HERE |
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Nymphes Apartments in Agia Pelagia - best reviews - luxury accommodation in Agia Pelagia Nymphes Luxury Apartments are situated 22 km from the Heraklion airport, toward the middle of the island of Crete, 21km from Knossos Palace and 56 km from Rethimnon town. Upon an enchanting hill at Agia Pelagia, in an area of 5000 m2 of unspoilt natural beauty, we limited development to just ten accommodations, a swimming pool, a salon, and gardens with fruit trees, grapes and many species of herbs. All accommodation faces the sea, offering a spectacular view of the blue Aegean Sea.
Check the prices and availability & book Nymphes Apartments CLICK HERE
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COOK LEFT: IRINI RESTAURANT - AGIA PELAGIA
Once my favorite restaurant in Agia Pelagia is situated about 25 meters off the beach on the first corner leading of the main road. It's called Irini, and it's a wonderful place to have a breakfast, lunch or dinner. This is the place where you will find us almost every morning to have a coffee and bacon and eggs, while we are trying to wake up. It is run by Giannis and he is fast and always in a good mood. The salads get that extra bit of care, looking beautiful, with fresh herbs and tasting delicious. The pizza's and the chicken with honey-mustard sauce are amongst our favorites. The cook left and went to the village of Bali now. |
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MOURAGIO RESTAURANT WITH NIKOS AND STELLA
Stella and Nikos work in the best restaurant of Agia Pelagia: Mouragio, the 4th taverna from the beginning of the beach. Their fried zuchini's, tuna salad, gyros and chicken dishes are addictive, so is the laughter of Stella, and friendlyness of all of the people there. Stella's husband is the cook, and he's simply the best. Thy make a swordfish filet like you have tasted nowhere else, and actually everything that comes from the sea tastes better than anywhere else. You must also try the lamb chops, which are super! There is one big problem at the Mouragio Restaurant and I hope they will change this in the future: they give you too many complementairy bottles of a high alcohol percentaged liquid called "raki" after you have stuffed yourself with their food, and your holiday pictures end up like this... |
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Shops and restaurants in Agia Pelagia
There is a good choice of tavernas, kafenions and restaurants in Agia Pelagia. Most of them you will find directly on the main beach and none of them is really expensive. On the main street going from the beach to the public parking place you find most of the larger souvenir shops, an internet cafe, car rentals and a pharmacist. A little bit more hidden away is the butcher. There are a couple of cocktail bars at the beach as well. Near the Capsis Hotel you will find more shops, small restaurants (also take-away giros pita - really cheap) and car rentals. On the beach and in the main street to the public parking there are also supermarkets. |
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 PIATSA COCKTAIL BAR - AGIA PELAGIA Piatsa is situated on the corner of the beach and the main street of Agia Pelagia. It is a cocktailbar, but you can for instance also get ice cream and off course a cup of coffee. For us it is a nice place to have a wonderful cup of Lavazza coffee with a metaxa or an Irish coffee at the end of the afternoon. The service is friendly, the seats are comfortable and there is nothing wrong with it. Our verdict: a 9 out of 10 |
 DEL MAR CAFE BAR - AGIA PELAGIA The Del Mar Cafe Bar is situated at the left side of the beach (when coming from the main street) of Agia Pelagia. It all looks quite modern and fresh. Only the toilet leaves something to be desired with a door that is impossible to close. It looks like it is from the 50's, but who knows by the time you read this it has been changed. The cappuccino was served with whipped cream instead of whipped milk (easy of course) and there was no glass of water. We ordered a club sandwich. The french fries were reasonably cruncht, the sandwiches were not toasted enough. Besides cocktails and coffee you can also order snacks here like hamburgers and pizzas. There is a beautiful view of the sea and the island of Dia that lies oposite the coast of Agia pelagia. Our verdict: a 7 out of 10 |
Hans Huisman, http://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/ 2007 2008